A Christian media organization in Germany has released a simplified Bible designed for people living with dementia, offering biblical stories in plain language alongside colorful illustrations intended to evoke long-held memories of faith.
The Marburger Medien Foundation unveiled the publication Monday in central Hesse, Germany. Reporting by Media Magazine Pro describes the project as two years in the making and aimed at bringing "faith, hope, and confidence" to those affected by dementia, as well as to caregivers and family members.
The book, titled "Encountering Jesus — Stories from the Gospel of Luke that Stay with You," draws primarily from the Gospel of Luke, chosen for its well-known parables. It also includes the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23. Illustrations were commissioned from artist Fionn Westermeier and selected, according to the foundation, to make the texts as accessible as possible.
Karsten Hüttmann, chairman of the board of the Marburger Medien Foundation, acknowledged that condensing the biblical material raised theological questions. "But when we consider that people with dementia can immerse themselves in Bible stories and that memories surface, this helps in developing the texts," he said.
Dementia expert Norbert Rose advised on the project. Among his recommendations was printing thematic sections across double pages, since turning a page can signal a new beginning to someone with dementia — making layout a pastoral as well as a practical consideration.
The foundation said the book responds to the growing social reality of aging populations. "Many people with dementia had contact with the church and faith when they were young," Hüttmann said. "The Bible is meant to help awaken memories and open conversations with people living with dementia, to give them courage and offer comfort."
He added: "These are all people who have dignity and who live intensely in the present. A dignity in the here and now."
According to Media Magazine Pro, the first print run was 30,000 copies, supported in part by the Veronika Foundation and the EKD Media Fund. Hüttmann described the undertaking as "uncharted territory" for Marburger Medien.
The foundation says the publication is suited for use in care homes, nursing facilities, pastoral visiting services, senior groups and by family caregivers — anywhere people accompany those in the early stages of the disease.
